Pipes and Drums band honors the fallen: 'You've got to have a heart for it'

The Pipes and Drums of the Lake County Sheriff’s Department perform in Washington, D.C., for National Police Week in May 2018. (Provided by Pipes and Drums)

For 23 years, Scott Musgrove has served in the Lake County Sheriff’s Department Honor Guard, making nearly a dozen trips to Washington, D.C., for National Police Memorial Week, culminating every May 15 for Peace Officers Memorial Day.

Each year, tens of thousands of law enforcement officers from around the world converge in the nation’s capital to take part in events to honor fallen officers. It’s a solemn ceremony, highlighted by the haunting, melodic music of bagpipes, performed by dozens of “Pipes and Drums” bands from across the country.

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“Listening to all the bands brings tears. It’s such a somber event to honor those brothers and sisters who gave the ultimate sacrifice,” said Musgrove, a patrol sergeant who’s been on the force for 26 years.

The annual experience has made such an impression on Musgrove that last October he joined the Pipes and Drums of the Lake County Sheriff’s Department. The band honors fallen law enforcement officers, firefighters, and military personnel throughout Indiana.

“We also perform in parades, but our primary mission is to honor the fallen by playing at funerals for first responders who’ve been killed in the line of duty,” Musgrove said.

Like every other badge-carrying member of the Pipes and Drums band, he joined without ever playing the bagpipes. He not musically inclined either. Also like every other band member, it’s been a difficult challenge to play the iconic woodwind instrument, which requires countless hours of practice to properly master.

“Scott has a lot of heart,” said Tom Houts, of Thornton, Ill., the band’s major who has taught every member how to play the bagpipe. “It can take years to learn how to play all the songs we play. And keep in mind that we play every song by memory.”

The Pipes and Drums of the Lake County Sheriff's Department honors fallen law enforcement officers, firefighters, and military personnel throughout Indiana. (Pipes and Drums of the Lake County Sheriff's Dept)

The band was founded 19 years ago by Houts, who’s now 80, and two Lake County police officers, Ray Borchert and Rick Borchert, after the brothers returned from Washington for National Police Memorial Week ceremonies.

“Listening to all those bagpipes at the same time was incredible,” said Rick Borchert, who’s been in the department for 41 years.

When he returned to Lake County from D.C. that year, he began searching for the right person to co-found a Pipes and Drums band.

“I thought it was broken,” he joked. “I didn’t know anything about it.”

Lake County police officer Scott Musgrove is the newest member of the Pipes and Drums of the Lake County Sheriff’s Department. (Provided by Pipes and Drums)

Tom Houts is a founding member of the Pipes and Drums of the Lake County Sheriff’s Department. (Provided by Pipes and Drums)

Musgrove recently purchased his own bagpipe, which came with a 10-year warranty. It’s a good thing because he’s planning on playing it, and someday mastering it, for the rest of his life. He will one day retire from the force, and from the honor guard, but he hopes the Pipes and Drums allow him to continue serving in a new yet still meaningful way.

“It will allow me the honor of serving into the future,” he said.

The current Pipes and Drums is made up of 16 volunteer members from Indiana and Illinois law enforcement and first responder agencies. And it’s always looking for new members. Nineteen years ago, they began practicing every Wednesday night at the Lake County Government Center in Crown Point.

“And we’ve been doing it ever since,” said Houts, who was granted an honorary badge to be in the band. “You must be a badge carrier to honor this band.”

Musgrove also practices on Thursday nights with another group of bagpipers, as well as with a mentor, and on his own at home with his instrument or a practice chanter. It’s the part of the instrument without a bag, allowing him to practice without waking up the neighborhood.

“It’s all about practice, practice, practice,” Musgrove said regarding an instrument that’s been in existence for centuries.

Musgrove and his seasoned bandmates will be performing Saturday at their annual fundraiser, with proceeds allowing them to return next month to Washington. The event, kicking off at 6 p.m., will be held at the Operating Engineers Hall – Local 150 in Merrillville, offering food, drinks, a silent auction, Irish dancers, and an evening of live bagpipe music. Tickets cost $10.